Pybus demonstrates plan to BCB, Simmons coming

Richard Pybus and Mushfiqur Rahim. File Photo

Former Bangladesh coach Richard Pybus has demonstrated his plan to the cricket board of the country as it looks for a head coach.

Among others shortlisted by the Bangladesh Cricket Board or BCB, Phil Simmons is coming to Dhaka on Saturday, its President Nazmul Hassan told the media after the interview of Pybus on Wednesday.

Phil Simmons

Hassan said another person may come before former West Indies allrounder and coach Simmons, but did not reveal the name.

“We are also talking to some other people,” Hassan said.

BCB officials said former Australian cricketer and coach Geoff Marsh may come before Simmons.

The BCB chief said they will wrap up the talks and take a final decision on the coach on Sunday.

“So the aspirants must come before that,” he said.

“…It’s difficult to say whether we would be able to appoint a coach before the Sri Lanka series,” Hassan said.

About the interview of Pybus, who had left Bangladesh after criticising the BCB harshly four years ago, Hassan said the English coach wants to return as many things have changed in Bangladesh’s cricket.

While resigning in October 2012, four months after his appointment, Pybus blamed the BCB for ‘unprofessionally’ interfering with his work.

Hassan said he also asked Pybus why he wanted to return. “He has given an answer, but I cannot reveal it,” he added.

When Pybus left the job, AHM Mustafa Kamal was heading the BCB.

Hassan said he did not want to speak about the former board.

Nazmul Hassan

The BCB chief was also ‘impressed’ by Pybus’s presentation.

“It was very good. There is no doubt about it. He has come with a long-term plan. But we need to see both long-term and short-term plans,” he said.

“We also have the World Cup tournament ahead of us, which is very important.

“Maybe he won’t be able to do what he wants now, but it will be good for Bangladesh if his plans are implemented,” he added.

The post of Bangladesh’s head coach fell vacant when Sri Lankan Chandika Hathurusingha resigned in October.

The BCB said the head coach did not assign any reason to his decision in the letter while Hathurusingha has not spoken to the media over the resignation.

Sri Lanka said they were in talks to hire their former opening batsman Hathurusingha as coach.